WHEN police officers found the gruesome scene at John Lloyd's Warndon home a full-scale murder inquiry was launched.

"It was an extremely ferocious attack, an extremely distressing scene for the officers and very unusual in this day and age," said Detective Inspector Jonathon Wallis.

The flat was sealed off and guarded around the clock while forensic scientists started the painstaking task of documenting evidence inside and outside the building.

Specialist scientists examined the blood spatters on the floors and walls and the flat was scoured for fingerprints and fibres.

While officers carried out door-to-door inquiries, others searched the street for evidence, including the murder weapon.

Following the killing on the night of Saturday, January 13, 2007, anniversary checks were carried out 24 hours later and again one week after the frenzied attack.

It was not just Mr Lloyd's house in Windermere Drive which was being treated as a crime scene.

Thirty-four-year-old Joao Oliveira had been arrested in the early hours of Sunday, January 14, by an armed police unit at his home in Northfield Street, Arboretum, Worcester.

A cut on his arm which had been treated by ambulance staff at an address in Middle Street, Arboretum, the night of the murder, and 999 calls from Mr Lloyd's aunt Jennifer Maggs, linked him to the crime.

Forensic teams were now analysing the addresses in Middle Street and Northfield Street.

At the same time police were trying to trace a man named 'Marco' who they believed was involved.

Eventually intelligence pointed them to 33-year-old Marco Da Rocha who was arrested at his Broad Street address on the Sunday evening by armed police.

Again, forensic scientists scoured the property for any evidence which would put Da Rocha at the scene of the crime.

To prevent cross-examination the major incident team, based at Worcester police station, in Castle Street, sent separate forensic and police teams to each of the addresses.

Central to the investigation was the Portuguese community in Worcester, many of whom came forward as vital witnesses to the investigation. With few speaking English, interpreters were drafted in from across the country to help.

"We have got to be grateful to the Portuguese community, they have been extremely helpful and a vital part of the investigation," said Mr Wallis.

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